Organic

One thing that happened while we were in Cali that I feel deserves it's own post was when we went to Old Spaghetti Factory for a big family dinner. It has become tradition since Lee's father passed away three years ago to continue to celebrate his birthday by everyone going out to dinner together. So that is what we were doing. All of my lovely children decided they needed to use the restroom at the same time so I took them. While the kids were washing their hands I noticed another mom staring at them. She asked me if they were all mine. I said Yes. She got a shocked look on her face. She then said,

"Wow! They all look so healthy...so organic!"

I immediately thanked her, assuming it was a compliment. But the more I thought about it the more I wondered if it really was a compliment or not.

Help me! What did she mean? We've never been called organic before. Was she saying that my kids looked like hippie kids...like plain Janes? Lee thinks she may have meant they were natural beauties. I am not convinced that's what she meant.

Is being called organic a good thing?

Cali Fall 09

For UEA Weekend we decided to pack up and head on down to our old stomping grounds. We had a blast and didn't want it to end. Here are a few highlights of our trip:

We got to visit Lee's 85 year old uncle, Leon. He has been battling skin cancer for quite some time. In fact, his doctors told him over two years ago that he had 6 months to live. Turns out his once black, death like arm is looking better and even starting to regrow hair. Leon believes it never was cancer and is confident he is on the road to recovery. It's pretty crazy to think that the doctor's originally wanted to amputate his arm.

Surf City USA aka Huntington Beach, California is where I was born and raised. Lee was raised in just the next city over, Fountain Valley. Although it was a little chilly we couldn't NOT go to the beach. Here are some pics...

Our nephew, Scott was our 5th child for the trip. We absolutley loved spending time with him.



We also spent some time with Eric and Julie and kids. We watched a little conference, swam a little and Julie made the best, yummiest dinner we've had in a long time.

Another thing we did was go to Togos for lunch. This is where Lee worked as a teenager.

As a teenager Lee worked with this guy, Greg. Now Greg owns the place and he let Lee make all of our sandwiches.

Lee said it was just like riding a bike. The kids thought is was SO funny that Daddy got to make their sandwiches.



We also went to Disneyland:

We didn't have to wait super long for the rides which was nice and it was so fun because for the first time everyone was tall enough to go on all the rides. Ella even went on Space Mountain, although I don't think she will go on it again for a long time. Disneyland really is a magical place...an expensive magical place. I could dedicate a whole post to my thoughts on how expensive Disneyland has gotten. It makes me mad. I remember when Disneyland was $24 for one person. Now it is over $70!!!! I am glad the kids had a good time because it may be the last time we are able to go with those prices. Thank goodness for Nani who helped us with the outrageous fee. We couldn't have gone without her.


The girls loved meeting Tinkerbell and her friend, Iridessa...

While us girls were meeting the fairies, the boys were over at the Jedi training. Afterwards Ben and Scott made their own lightsabers...

It is really fun going during this time of year when all the Halloween decorations are out. This was part of a big Dia de los Muertos display they had...

The Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island...

Ella taking a quick break...

It's not every day you can see these guys at Disneyland so I had to get a picture. Sally and Jack are also one of Ben's all time favorite charcters so I am glad he was able to see them.

We also spent lots of time with Lee's family and got to meet our new adorable nephew, Cashton. We had so much fun. This little vacation was a much needed trip away from our reality which is a little stressful at the moment. Thank you so much, Nani and everyone else for making our stay amazing. It was exactly what our family needed.

Sick

I am sick.

Fevers.

Raw nose.

Voice...gone.

Cough...definately not gone.

It's no fun being sick.

While we were driving back from Cali I could feel it coming on. The next day it reared it's ugly head and has been wreaking havoc on me ever since.

It's been four days since we have been home and I haven't unpacked.

I haven't even done the dishes. Ben told me this morning the dishes smell really bad. Sorry bud.

Lee has been trying so hard to pick up my slack. I love him for it. It's times like these when I realize just how lucky I am to have him, even if he doesn't want to sleep in the same bed as me. He is my Prince Charming.

But we all know the family doesn't run nearly as smooth when Dad's in charge.

I realized just how sick I was when I had to run to the store. I hadn't put on a stitch of makeup, I hadn't run a brush through my hair, I wasn't even wearing a bra. I know one day I will be mortified thinking back to that, but right now I could care less.

Yesterday, Ella played Polly Pockets for two hours by herself next to my bed while I slept. I feel like a real winner for that one. I have the most patient, understanding children. I love them.

Thank you T and C for the yummy dinners. You saved the day.

I am hoping that the worst is in the past and soon enough I will be back to my old self. But as for now, I need to go lay down...